2m headroom rule for staircases

David Costelloe · 17 Mar 2021

I have a floor to ceiling height of 2320mm and a constraint I cannot flex on the length of staircase opening

My preferred staircase design has a going of 186mm. Some of second step is covered by the ceiling, with 1950m of head room above it.

So it does not meet the 2m criteria - is it black and white that a building inspector would say it is not compliant?

Regards
DC

^woody^ · 17 Mar 2021

Most likely

DevilDamo · 17 Mar 2021

What is this for... a new build or loft conversion?

David Costelloe · 17 Mar 2021

Devildamo, it's re-modelling of the existing, returning the position of Gnd to 1st to its original position when we bought the house 30 years ago.

freddiemercurystwin · 17 Mar 2021

Are you actually getting Building Control involved?

David Costelloe · 17 Mar 2021

freddiemercurystwin said:
Are you actually getting Building Control involved?

That is an excellent question. I would prefer to do it by the book, but my last change (open new stair opening, close old stair opening) was 30 years ago before building regs impinged in this area. And no one would know. ....

Nakajo · 17 Mar 2021

I only ever employ short BCOs; they never think to check. And as a Sasquatch, I've simply learned to live with bumps.

freddiemercurystwin · 17 Mar 2021

Just tell the BCO the headroom was 1950 30 years ago.

frutbunn · 18 Mar 2021

David Costelloe said:
That is an excellent question. I would prefer to do it by the book, but my last change (open new stair opening, close old stair opening) was 30 years ago before building regs impinged in this area. And no one would know. ....

Its been a requirement for a lot longer than that! In fact it was stricter as there was no guidance on reduced heights to loft conversions and any departures from the mandatory regs would only be allowed following a formal application for a relaxation even them there was no guarantee they would agree to it.
In your case I would speak to the BCO, you may be able to make a case for a reduction in height as it is being put back into its original position.

johnny2007 · 18 Mar 2021

In most cases they won't notice.
But some bco are very good at their job, and equally good at giving you solutions.
If it's going to cost a ton of money, speak to them and see what they say.

^woody^ · 18 Mar 2021

Or just cut 50mm of the head timber on a 42° angle.

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2m headroom rule for staircases

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